Ah, soup season—a time to grab your coziest blanket and indulge in something warm and hearty. This Easy Cabbage Roll Soup, a delightful twist on the classic dish, feels like a nostalgic hug from your favorite relative, the one who always overfeeds you during Sunday dinners. It’s like a culinary paradox, simple yet bursting with flavor, perfect for those days when you want comfort without the hassle.
Steps
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Incorporate the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, bay leaf, and brown sugar into the pot. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the soup and serve hot. Enjoy your meal with some crusty bread or a green salad on the side for a complete dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage
- 2 carrots, peeled, quartered, and sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 cans (8 ounces each) of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2104kcal | Carbohydrates: 192g | Protein: 152g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 392mg | Sodium: 4592mg | Potassium: 4264mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 28440IU | Vitamin C: 172mg | Calcium: 472mg | Iron: 20mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat in the cabbage roll soup?
- Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer. It will still bring great flavor to the soup while being a leaner option.
- Is it possible to use a different type of rice in this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice will require approximately 20 more minutes of cooking time.
- How can I ensure the rice doesn’t become mushy in the soup?
- To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking the soup. Once you bring the mixture to a simmer, it should only need about 25 minutes for the rice to turn tender.
- What can I serve with cabbage roll soup to make it a complete meal?
- This hearty soup is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad to round out the meal.
- Can I prepare this soup in advance and store it?
- Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare a double batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator. It’s great for enjoying over the next few days.
Tips
- Use 90% lean ground beef to ensure the soup has great flavor without becoming too greasy.
- Be cautious not to over-simmer the soup to prevent the rice from becoming mushy; aim for about 25 minutes of simmering.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey for ground beef, or use brown rice instead of white rice, though the latter will require an additional 20 minutes of cooking time.
- Consider making a double batch to have leftovers for the next few days, as this soup is ideal for quick meals on busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife (for chopping vegetables)
- Cutting board
